That's the first thing that probably needs to be said about the 6-foot-9, 235-pound senior power forward from Findlay Prep in Las Vegas.

Many are viewing Schilling that way, simply because it's been reported that both Michigan State and Duke had plans to recruit him hard if either lost out in the chase for coveted small forward Jabari Parker - the No. 2 overall player in the 2013 Rivals 150.

Parker chose Duke in December, so the assumption was that Schilling - another recruit with Chicago ties -would likely become MSU coach Tom Izzo's "Plan B" option. Technically speaking, that could be the case.

Michigan State has shown increased interest in the Rivals 3-star forward since the Parker announcement, with MSU assistant coach Dane Fife taking the lead role for him and the Spartans reportedly offering a scholarship during a Dec. 27 unofficial visit.

However, it's what Schilling's coaches are saying about him that should catch the interest of MSU basketball fans.

"Gavin's going to be good," said Mike Irvin, who coaches the AAU powerhouse Mac Irvin Fire program that Schilling played for last season with Parker and other standouts. "He's a steal."